Integrated, interactive telephone and computer network communications system

ABSTRACT

A method comprising the steps of: receiving via internet a time, a date and a telephone number for a reminder telephone call (such as a wakeup call); storing in a database the time, date and telephone number of the reminder telephone call; and delivering to the subscriber via telephone the reminder telephone call at the specified time, date and telephone number. In one embodiment, the reminder call comprises a marketing message. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: receiving via the internet demographic information corresponding to the subscriber; matching the marketing message to the demographic information; and delivering the matched marketing message to the subscriber during the reminder telephone call. In other embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of receiving via the internet a personal reminder message or a selection for information, and delivering the personal reminder message or selected information to the subscriber during the reminder telephone call.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a communication system, and morespecifically to an integrated, interactive telephone and computernetwork communications system that, according to one embodiment,provides a marketing message to a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Enormous expenditures are made via traditional media, such astelevision, radio and newspapers/magazines, in order to provideconsumers with marketing messages. According to some reports, in 1995,TV and cable generated approximately $44.5 billion in advertisingrevenue, while radio generated $14 billion and newspapers/magazinesgenerated $51.5 billion. Direct Marketing, which also countsTelemarketing, totaled just over $150 billion in 1997, making it far andaway the largest segment of the advertising world. By comparison,advertising on the Internet generated only $0.9 billion.

[0003] However, the Internet has enjoyed, and continues to enjoy,unprecedented growth. It is estimated that, within 5 years, over 150million people will have access to and use the Internet. Therefore, itis likely that the Internet will dramatically increase its share ofadvertising revenues in the near future.

[0004] The traditional advertising philosophy is to provide marketingmessages that will be viewed and heard by as many people as possible whomight be interested in the content of the marketing message. Forinstance, an advertisement for a brand of young men's clothing may beplaced in a magazine, which is typically sold to young men. In thismanner, the owner of the brand of clothing hopes that the advertisementis seen by people who are likely to be interested in the productadvertised. Unfortunately, even people in the same demographic group(e.g.—young men) have widely different interests. Thus, only a smallportion of the readers of the magazine are likely to be interested inthe advertisement, and the owner of the brand has not received the fullbenefit of the advertising expenditure.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for a system that enables a customizedmarketing message to be provided to an Internet user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment,provides a method comprising the steps of receiving via internet a time,a date and a telephone number for a reminder telephone call; storing ina database the time, date and telephone number of the reminder telephonecall; and delivering to the subscriber via telephone the remindertelephone call at the specified time, date and telephone number. Inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention, the reminder telephonecall further comprises a marketing message. In accordance with anotherembodiment, the method further comprises the steps of receiving via theinternet demographic information corresponding to the subscriber;matching the marketing message to the demographic information; anddelivering the matched marketing message to the subscriber during thereminder telephone call. In accordance with other embodiments, themethod further comprises the steps of receiving via the Internet apersonal reminder message or a selection for information, and deliveringthe personal reminder message or the selected information to thesubscriber during the reminder telephone call.

[0007] In accordance with another embodiment, the present inventionprovides a method for delivering a marketing message comprising thesteps of: receiving via internet demographic information correspondingto a subscriber; assigning to the subscriber a storage space that isconfigured to store a personal message to the subscriber; and deliveringto the subscriber a marketing message corresponding to the demographicinformation when the subscriber accesses the personal messages.

[0008] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a methodfor a communications server to deliver a marketing message comprisingthe steps of: receiving a telephone call from a caller at the server;querying the caller for a third-party telephone number; receiving thethird-party telephone number; initiating a telephone conference callbetween the caller and a third-party at the third-party telephonenumber; and delivering to the caller and the third-party a marketingmessage during the telephone conference call.

[0009] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a methodfor a communications server to deliver a marketing message comprisingthe steps of: receiving a telephone call from a caller having a callingcard having a predetermined number of minute credits associated with it;querying the caller for a third-party telephone number; receiving thethird-party telephone number; initiating a telephone call between thecaller and a third-party at the third-party telephone number; deliveringto the caller and the third-party a marketing message during thetelephone call.

[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a methodcomprising the steps of: receiving via internet a telephone number andan e-mail address corresponding to a subscriber; receiving the e-mailmessage at the e-mail address; and delivering to the subscriber viatelephone an e-mail reminder telephone call at the subscriber telephonenumber, so as to inform the subscriber of the receipt of the e-mailmessage. According to other embodiments, the e-mail reminder telephonecall comprises a marketing message corresponding to demographicinformation received from the subscriber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of thespecification. The invention, however, both as to organization andmethod of operation, together with features, objects, and advantagesthereof may best be understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0012]FIG. 1 illustrates a communications system, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates the various components ofserver 20, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a flow chart that illustrates the steps performed duringsubscription, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a flow chart that illustrates, according to oneembodiment, the steps performed in order to generate reminder telephonecalls;

[0016]FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a website user-interface, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 6(a) is a flow chart that illustrates a typical reminder callgenerated by the server, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0018]FIG. 6(b) is a flow chart that illustrates a “bookmarking”function, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 6(c) is a flow chart that illustrates a message retrievalfeature, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a flow chart that illustrates the steps for a systememploying a telephone conferencing function, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

[0021]FIG. 8 is a flow chart that illustrates the steps for a systememploying a calling card function, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention; and

[0022]FIG. 9 is a flow chart that illustrates the steps to generate atelephone call to a subscriber when an e-mail message, or messages, isreceived, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023]FIG. 1 illustrates a communications system, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, computerterminals 12 a, 12 b and 12 c are coupled to Internet 16, which in turnis coupled to server 20 via data router 19. Server 20 is configured tomaintain an addressable web site that provides one interface for usersof the computer terminals to communicate with server 20, as will bedescribed further below. Server 20 is also coupled to database 22, anddata is transferred from server 20 to database 22, and vice versa, viainterface 21. Database 22 is configured to store data, includingelectronic and voice messages and to automatically respond to multiplequeries based on collected information regarding, for instance,subscribers and marketing messages.

[0024] Additionally, server 20 is coupled to telephones 14 a, 14 b and14 c via public-switched telephone network 18, providing anotherinterface, advantageously a toll-free number, for subscribers of thesystem to communicate with server 20, or a specifiable telephone numberfor users to leave messages for a subscriber, as described below. Itshould be noted, however, that the system of the present invention mayemploy cellular telephones, in which case server 20 would communicatewith telephones 14 a, 14 b and 14 c via wireless communication channels.The present invention is not intended to be limited in scope by themeans by which server 20 communicates with the telephones.

[0025] In another embodiment, internet 16 and public-switched telephonenetwork 18 are coupled to a telecommunication central office, which inturn is coupled to a data/voice converged router. The data/voice routeris coupled to server 20. Regardless, the present invention is configuredso that server 20 communicates with internet 16 and public-switchedtelephone network 18.

[0026]FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates the various components ofserver 20, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.Internet interface 24 allows data transfer operations between server 20and Internet 16, so as to enable users or potential subscribers tocommunicate with server 20. An example of a website which may beutilized for this purpose, and the features that exist in variousembodiments of the invention, is shown and discussed in connection withFIG. 5, which is explained below. Internet interface 24 is coupled toprocessor 26, which, among other things, performs the functions selectedby the internet user. Additionally, internet interface 24 is configuredto communicate with internet 16 via data router 19, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] Processor 26 is coupled to SQL database interface 28, so as tocontrol data transfer operations between server 20 and database 22.Processor 26 is also coupled directly to database 22 and is configuredto communicate directly with database 22. Additionally, processor 26 iscoupled to advertising record generator 38, which is further coupled toadvertising record display device 40. Typically, advertising recorddisplay device 40 is a printer or a computer screen.

[0028] Also, processor 26 is coupled to public-switched telephonenetwork interface (hereinafter “PSTN interface”) 30. PSTN interface 30,which is a telephony interface such as Dialogic's D240SC-2T1 orD480SC-2T1 boards, is configured to communicate with PSTN 18, as shownin FIG. 1. According to one embodiment of the invention, interactivevoice response functions are processed by PSTN interface 30. In thisembodiment, PSTN interface 30 is configured to interact with users byrecognizing received voiced commands and to respond with voicedresponses, or to respond to a user pressing a button on the user'stelephone, as will be explained below.

[0029] PSTN interface 30 is coupled to module 31, which comprisesautomated speech recognition module 32 and text-to-speech conversionmodule 34. Module 32 is configured to convert speech messages receivedvia PSTN interface 30 into text messages and/or into digitized soundfile format (such as those provided under “wav” format), which can betransmitted to SQL database interface 28. Text-to-speech conversionmodule 34 is configured to receive text messages from SQL databaseinterface 28 and to convert them into speech messages that aretransmitted to a user via PSTN interface 30. Module 31 is coupled to SQLdatabase interface 28. Also, PSTN interface 30 is coupled directly toSQL database interface 28, and to telephone conference module 36, whichwill be explained more fully below.

[0030] The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment,generates marketing messages that are customized to the person who isreceiving them, and delivers them to the person via telephone andInternet. In order to enable the system of the present invention tocustomize the marketing messages, a user advantageously subscribes tothe system via internet interface 24. FIG. 3 is a flow chart thatillustrates the steps performed during subscription, in accordance withone embodiment of the invention.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, at step 100, a person logs on to anaddressable web site corresponding to server 20. At step 102, server 20queries for and receives demographic information inputted by the user.Examples of this demographic information may be the subscriber's name,address, telephone number, age, sex, personal interests, etc.

[0032] At step 104, the subscriber chooses a username and a password.The username identifies the subscriber to the system, while the passwordis a security measure that insures that only the subscriber has accessto his or her messages. As will be explained more fully below, thesubscriber inputs his or her password when the subscriber desires toretrieve messages that have been previously left for the subscriber.

[0033] At step 106, server 20 assigns to the subscriber a Personal IDNumber (referred to hereinafter as “a PIN number”) and a telephonenumber. The use of a PIN number is well known in the art, and generallyis a number comprising several digits which differentiates thesubscriber from other users of the system. This PIN number correspondsto a storage space in database 22. A person can call the subscriber toleave a message by dialing the assigned telephone number and inputtingthe subscriber's unique PIN Number.

[0034] At step 108, server 20 assigns to the subscriber an e-mailaddress and a personalized web page. The assigned e-mail address alsocorresponds to a storage space in database 22. Thus, a person whodesires to leave the subscriber an electronic message via the internetcan do so, and the message will be stored in the corresponding storagespace in database 22 until retrieved by the subscriber. In accordancewith one embodiment of the invention, the storage space in database 22for both the voice and e-mail messages are limited to a certain numberof messages or a certain number of data storage bits.

[0035] Advantageously, the e-mail address assigned by server 20 forusers to leave an electronic message for a subscriber is identical tothe PIN number assigned by server 20 for users to leave a voice messageby telephone for the same subscriber, with the addition of the suffix“@domain.com”. Thus, the subscriber can apprise other persons of asingle number where they can leave messages to be received by thesubscriber, either by telephone or by e-mail.

[0036] As will be explained later, the personalized web page that isassigned to the subscriber is a web page that is hyper-linked to the website corresponding to server 20, as already discussed. Advantageously,the personalized web page can only be accessed by the subscriber, andcontains a list of previously received messages, hyper-text links toother web sites that the subscriber is interested in, etc. Additionalfeatures will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0037] At step 110, server 20 assigns to the new subscriber acorresponding demographic group or subscriber profile. The subscriberprofile, advantageously, is based upon the demographic data that wasinputted by the subscriber at step 102. For instance, the subscriber maybe matched to a profile corresponding to a male aged 20-29 who lives inthe New York City area and is interested in rock music. As will bediscussed below, this subscriber profile is employed, according to oneembodiment of the invention, in order to select which marketing messagesshould be provided to the subscriber.

[0038] At step 112, the data is stored in database 22. For instance,database 22 is configured to store the subscriber's demographicinformation and the subscriber profile that the subscriber fits in, aswell as the telephone number, e-mail address, username, password, PINnumber, etc. associated with the subscriber.

[0039] As previously mentioned, the present invention, in accordancewith one embodiment, employs various means of delivering to a person acustomized marketing message. One method employed by the presentinvention is referred to as “Mr. WakeUp™”. This embodiment of thepresent invention generates wake-up or reminder telephone calls to aperson at times specified by the subscriber on Mr. WakeUp™'s world wideweb page. FIG. 4 is a flow chart that illustrates, according to oneembodiment, the steps performed in order to generate reminder andwake-up telephone calls.

[0040] At step 120, a subscriber (who has already subscribed byperforming the steps of FIG. 3) logs on to the addressable websitecorresponding to server 20, as previously described. At step 122, thesubscriber enters his or her username and password. By entering theusername and password, the system of the present invention can accessthe demographic data that was previously entered by the subscriber, asat step 102 of FIG. 3. This data is stored in database 22 and, aspreviously described, is utilized to customize marketing messages to bereceived by subscribers. Additionally, by entering his or her usernameand password, the subscriber is directed to his or her personal webpage,as was previously described in step 108 of FIG. 3. Once on the personalwebpage, the subscriber selects the wake-up/reminder call function ofthe system, preferably by clicking a hypertext link that directs thesubscriber to a user-interface like the one shown in FIG. 5.

[0041] At step 124, the subscriber enters call data, which may comprisea date, time and a telephone number at which the subscriber desires toreceive a telephone call. FIG. 5, the features of which will bedescribed in greater detail below, is an example of the Mr. WakeUp™interface, generated by Internet interface 24 of server 20. Generally,the interface queries the subscriber for a date, time and telephonenumber at which the subscriber would like to receive a wake-up and/orreminder phone call.

[0042] At step 125, the subscriber selects the type of phone call or thetype of information that the subscriber wants to receive with his or herwakeup or reminder phone calls. This step is discussed in greater detailin connection with field 216 of FIG. 5.

[0043] Advantageously, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention, the subscriber can also select a text reminder message thatthe subscriber has inputted. The reminder message may relate to anythingthat concerns the subscriber, e.g.—a reminder to wake up, make a call,run an errand, etc. The present invention is not limited in scope by thecontent or purpose of the reminder message.

[0044] At step 126, server 20 transmits the data that has been inputtedby the subscriber to database 22 for storage, preferably via processor26 and SQL database interface 28. At step 128, on the date and at thetime specified by the subscriber in 124, server 20 retrieves the calldata to be utilized.

[0045] At step 130, the demographic information or subscriber profilethat corresponds to the subscriber is matched to a particular marketingmessage. As previously discussed, the subscriber profile,advantageously, is based upon the demographic data that was inputted bythe subscriber at step 102 of FIG. 3. For instance, the subscriber maybe matched to a profile, based on the demographic information inputted,corresponding to a male aged 20-29 who lives in the New York City areaand is interested in rock music. The marketing message, which ismatched, is one that has been pre-determined to have a great likelihoodof appealing to the subscriber. For instance, for the demographicinformation described above, a marketing message related to clothingtypically worn by males aged 20-29 might be matched to the subscriberprofile. Alternatively, a marketing message related to activities in oraround New York City would be matched, or a marketing message related toa musical group would be matched. The present invention is not limitedin scope by the type of marketing message employed.

[0046] At step 132, on the date and at the time specified by thesubscriber during step 124, server 20 generates a telephone call to thesubscriber at the telephone number specified by the subscriber at step124. The marketing message that is matched to the subscriber profilecorresponding to the subscriber is sent, along with the selected type ofinformation on step 125, to the subscriber during the telephone call. Inthis manner, the subscriber receives a marketing message that is verylikely to correspond to the subscriber's actual preferences andinterests, since the marketing message is automatically selected byserver 20 based upon information that the subscriber has provided.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the system isbusy at the time when a reminder call is to be delivered, server 20 isconfigured to generate the reminder telephone call before or after theoriginally scheduled delivery time. For instance, in one embodiment, ifa subscriber requests that a reminder telephone call be delivered at6:00 a.m. and server 20 is scheduled to make other calls at that time,server 20 is configured to automatically deliver the call during a rangeof time between, for example, 5:55 a.m. and 6:05 a.m. In anotherembodiment, the subscriber selects a range during which the call will bedelivered, or else the subscriber supplies server 20 with second orthird choices for the time of the call. Regardless, if the system isunable to deliver the call at the specified time, server 20 delivers thecall at an acceptable, alternative time.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the text reminderthat is inputted by the subscriber at step 125 is received by Internetinterface 24 and is communicated to processor 26. Processor 26 sendstext data via SQL database interface 28 for storage until required, atwhich point the text data is retrieved by processor 26 and iscommunicated to module 34 for the text-to-speech conversion. Conversionmodule 34 converts the digitally stored text messages, such as thepersonal reminder message (which is explained below) that was inputtedby the subscriber, into voice messages. The voice message can then betransmitted to the subscriber via PSTN interface 30 when the remindertelephone call is delivered.

[0049]FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a web site user-interface 200 asprovided to a user by server 20. User interface 200 shows some of thefeatures that may be employed by the system of the present inventionaccording to various embodiments. Instruction box 202 contains a firstset of instructions to the user. In the embodiment shown, theinstructions indicate how the user selects a date on which the userdesires to receive the wakeup or reminder telephone call. Pulldown menu204 comprises a list of months which the user can select. Similarly,pulldown menu 206 comprises a list of years, which the user can select.Once the user has selected both a month and year, a calendar 208corresponding to the month and year selected is shown. The user can thenselect any day of that month for receiving a call.

[0050] Instruction box 210 contains a second set of instructions to theuser. According to this embodiment, instruction box 210 instructs theuser in the use of data entry fields, collectively shown as entry data212. For instance, fields 212 contains spaces for the user to indicate atime of day, and a telephone number at which the subscriber desires toreceive the reminder calls. Additional fields permit the user toascertain and adjust the status of the desired call, such as by deletinga previously entered call, or by activating the call “ON” so as toreceive it as originally entered.

[0051] Instruction box 214 contains a third set of instructions to theuser, in this embodiment instructing the user to select a type of calldesired. Selection fields 216 comprise various types of messages orinformation that may be received by the subscriber during the telephonecall. For instance, the user can select a “Horoscope” field in order tolisten to daily horoscopes, a “News” field in order to listen to currentnews events of the day, a “Weather” field in order to listen to localweather forecasts, etc.

[0052] Additionally, the subscriber can select a “Reminder” field, whichpermits the subscriber to receive during the reminder call a personalreminder message. As previously indicated, the personal reminder messagecan relate to an errand to be performed by the subscriber, a task toperform, or an infinite number of other personal messages. The personalreminder message can be inputted by the subscriber by clicking on field218, which advantageously provides the subscriber with a space fortyping the message. The message can then be stored in database 22 alongwith the other call data for delivery to the subscriber when desired.

[0053] The types of calls that can be selected by the subscriber arenumerous. For instance, the subscriber may also be given the options ofselecting for delivery during the telephone call stock prices, sportsscores, trivia questions and answers, winning lottery numbers, trafficreports, etc. The present invention is not intended to be limited inscope by the contents of the call to be received.

[0054]FIG. 5 shows only some of the features that may be employed in thepresent invention. According to one embodiment, the user can also selectvia server 20 how the reminder telephone call is delivered. Forinstance, the call may be delivered in a business-like manner if thesubscriber is a business executive or other professional, or it may bedelivered in a comedic manner if the subscriber desires to receive anupbeat or funny reminder telephone call. In accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention, the subscriber can select to receive thedesired information from various different people, such as by acelebrity, a favorite DJ, or a significant other.

[0055] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, users canenjoy other types of practical and intriguing content. For instance,time management tips can be provided, or facts relating to personal orprofessional interests can be provided.

[0056]FIG. 6(a) is a flow chart that illustrates, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, a typical reminder or wakeup callgenerated by server 20. At step 140, the reminder telephone call isreceived by the subscriber, although it is noted that the subscriber ofthe present invention may direct that a telephone call be made to arecipient other than the subscriber.

[0057] At step 142, a greeting is provided to the subscriber, such as“Good Morning” or “Welcome to Mr. Wakeup™”. According to one embodiment,the greeting is stored in database 22 and is transmitted to server 20 tobe provided to the subscriber.

[0058] At step 144, the marketing message matched to the subscriber'sprofile is provided to the subscriber. Advantageously, the marketingmessage is about 5 to 15 seconds in length. As previously explained, inone embodiment the marketing message is stored as text in database 22and is converted to a voice message by text-to speech conversion module34 of server 20 at the desired time for delivery to the subscriber viaPSTN interface 30. In another embodiment, the marketing message is arecorded audio file that is stored in database 22. In this embodiment,the message is delivered to the subscriber via PSTN interface 30 withoutneeding to be converted by text-to-speech conversion module 34.Regardless, the marketing message is matched to the subscriber's profilebased upon the demographic information inputted by the subscriber atstep 102 of the flow chart in FIG. 3, thus insuring a high likelihood ofinterest by the subscriber. The matching of the marketing message to thesubscriber's profile is performed as previously described in step 130 ofFIG. 4.

[0059] At step 146, the system provides the subscriber with theinformation requested by the subscriber when setting up the call. Forinstance, if the subscriber selected field 216 entitled “News” of FIG.5, then the subscriber would receive at this point of the remindertelephone call the current news update. Advantageously, the news whichthe subscriber receives, or any other information which is selected bythe subscriber, is either stored and periodically updated in database 22prior to transmission to the subscriber, or else is retrieved at thetime of the telephone call from a separate source, such as a news orweather channel, or stock watch. According to one embodiment, therecipient of the call is required to press a button on the telephone inorder for the system to perform step 146.

[0060] By providing this information at step 146, the subscriber is morelikely to finish listening to the marketing message, rather than hangingup, even if there is no personal reminder message to be received (asdescribed in step 148). Also, in one embodiment, the system states thetime and date at this step as an additional service to the subscriber.

[0061] At step 148, the personal reminder message that was inputted bythe subscriber at step 124 of the flow chart in FIG. 4 is provided tothe subscriber. As previously explained, the personal reminder messageis advantageously stored as text in database 32 and is converted to avoice message by text-to speech conversion module 34 of server 20 at thedesired time for delivery to the subscriber via PSTN interface 30.

[0062] At step 150, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention,the system employs a security measure. Specifically, the system inquireswhether the person who receives the call desires to block the telephonenumber from receiving reminder calls in the future. This feature of theinvention advantageously prevents a subscriber from sending telephonecalls to another person who does not desire to receive it. If therecipient of the call does not desire to receive future calls from thissystem, the recipient presses a button on his or her telephone (e.g. the“9” or the “#” key), which transmits a signal received by server 20.Server 20 sends a corresponding signal to database 22 that, at step 152,block database 22 from delivering a reminder call to the telephonenumber in the future. According to another embodiment, a blockedtelephone number owner can be re-activated by the owner of the number bycommunicating to the operator of the system of the present invention toremove the blocking signal.

[0063] In accordance with another embodiment, when the recipient of thereminder call presses a button on the telephone, the telephone number isstored in a storage space in database 22. The system then checks eachinputted telephone number to determine whether it is stored in thestorage space. If it is, then no reminder call will be generated to thattelephone number, or else internet interface 24 will apprise the userthat the telephone number is blocked from receiving calls. At step 154,the reminder telephone call is complete and the person receiving thecall hangs up the telephone.

[0064] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, server 20is configured to receive a signal from the subscriber when thesubscriber desires to receive more information relating to the marketingmessage provided to the subscriber during the telephone call. Thisaspect of the invention is also referred to as “bookmarking”. FIG. 6(b)is a flow chart that illustrates how this aspect of the invention isimplemented.

[0065] At step 200, a greeting is provided to the subscriber. Thisgreeting may be the same as was provided at step 142 in the flow chartof FIG. 6(a). At step 202, processor 26 provides the subscriber with abook-marking instruction. This instruction may state, in one embodiment,that by pressing any button on the telephone during the course of thetelephone call, additional information relating to the marketing messagemay be obtained.

[0066] At step 204, the subscriber generates the signal by performing inaccordance with the instruction given in step 202. Thus, a button on thetelephone may be pressed, expressing an interest in receiving additionalinformation regarding the content of the marketing message. At step 206,the signal is transmitted and received by processor 26 via PSTNinterface 30. Processor 26, in accordance with one embodiment, isconfigured so as to provide the additional information to thesubscriber. At step 208, processor 26 generates the additionalinformation and, at step 210, stores the additional data in database 22.This information may be the web address of a company that has beenbook-marked. Alternately, it may be additional information such aspricing, advertising content, etc.

[0067] At step 212, the additional information is transmitted to thesubscriber. According to one embodiment, processor 26 is configured toreceive the signal generated at step 204 and to send to the subscriberan e-mail message via internet interface 24. The e-mail message containsthe additional information about the marketing message, such as productdata, an order form that enables the subscriber to purchase productsrelating to the marketing message, related images, etc.

[0068] In another embodiment, processor 26 is configured to receive thesignal generated at step 204 and to add corresponding information at thesubscriber's personalized web location. For instance, according to oneembodiment, the next time that the subscriber enters his or her usernameand password while on the website to arrive at his or her personalizedweb page, the personalized web page will have an additional hypertextlink to another web location. The hypertext link, according to oneembodiment, connects the subscriber to web sites that are related to thecontent of the marketing message. For instance, if the marketing messagerelated to young men's clothing, the hypertext link could be to a webcatalog that also advertises the clothing or the clothing manufacturer'shome page.

[0069] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention,advertising record generator 38 of server 20 is configured to generatean advertising record to be displayed by advertising record displaydevice 40. An advertising record permits an assessment to be maderegarding the success of the marketing message delivery system. Forinstance, according to one embodiment, advertising record generator 38is coupled to processor 26 in order to receive signals corresponding tothe steps performed by processor 26. In this case, advertising recordgenerator 38 is configured to tabulate the number of subscribers to thesystem, the number of calls that are delivered to subscribers thatcontains a specific marketing message, and the number of times that asubscriber expressed further interest in the product described by themarketing message by generating the appropriate signal with thetelephone. Thus, an advertiser could accurately determine the success ofadvertising with the system of the present invention by assessing thenumber of people who heard the marketing message and the number ofpeople who responded favorably to it.

[0070] In accordance with another embodiment, advertising recordgenerator 38 is configured to generate a report that lists the data,time, and/or length of the telephone calls to the subscriber. In stillanother embodiment, advertising record generator 38 is configured togenerate a report detailing the demographics of each person to whom themarketing message was sent, allowing an advertiser to send otherpromotional material to a subscriber even if the subscriber did notexpress interest in the product during the telephone call.

[0071] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, server 20is configured to interface with other websites to generate remindertelephone calls. For instance, according to one embodiment, visitors toa third party's web sites can utilize the features of server 20 of thepresent invention, i.e.—features of the present invention that areembedded in the third party's web site. For example, a visitor to theDisney™ web site may receive or send a telephone call, at a specifieddate, time and telephone number, corresponding to one of the Disney™characters, such as a telephone call from Mickey Mouse™ to a child toconvey a “Happy Birthday” wish. In another example, a visitor to the TVGUIDE™ website may learn about a TV program prior to the program beingaired. By having the features of the present invention embedded on TVGUIDE™'s website, the visitor can employ the present invention'suser-interface to input a telephone number, date and time so as togenerate a reminder call to watch the program.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the third party web site does nothave a separate database to store call data, or user demographics, etc.The third party web site has an internet interface configured tocommunicate with server 20 of the present invention. When a visitor tothe third party web site requests a reminder call, the third party website queries for and receives call data and the third party's internetinterface sends the necessary call data, i.e.—date, time, telephonenumber, and the content of the message such as a birthday wish in MickeyMouse's™ voice, to the web site of the present invention. Server 20receives the data, and stores it in database 22 until the date and timespecified, at which point it generates the telephone call.

[0073] In another embodiment, the third party web site has a hypertextlink to the web site of the present invention. When a visitor to thethird party web site clicks on the hypertext link, the person is sent toMr. WakeUp's™, or a jointly developed, web site. The person thenproceeds through all of the steps that an ordinary subscriber to Mr.WakeUp™ would proceed through. In one embodiment, the third party website is configured to send and the present web site is configured toreceive at least one message which can be delivered to the subscriberduring the requested telephone reminder call. For instance, the thirdparty message could be the greeting delivered at step 142 of FIG. 6(a),or the advertisement delivered at step 144 of FIG. 6(a). Alternately,the third party message could be added to fields 216 to be selected bythe user.

[0074] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the presentinvention provides a unified messaging system that enables subscribersto retrieve voice and e-mail messages, along with previously describedcustomized marketing messages, that are received by server 20. Thisembodiment of the invention permits a subscriber to retrieve messagesthat are left for the subscriber via internet or telephone. Forinstance, if the subscriber makes a telephone call to server 20 toretrieve his or her messages, server 20 is configured to convert allstored messages into voice messages that can be conveyed to thesubscriber via PSTN interface 30. Likewise, if the subscriber retrieveshis or her messages via the internet, server 20 is also configured toconvert all messages to text, or to digitize the messages by creatingsound files for each message, so as to be conveyed to the subscriber viainternet interface 24. Both these features are described more fullybelow.

[0075]FIG. 6(c) is a flowchart that illustrates the steps for asubscriber to receive a marketing message according to one embodiment ofthe invention. At step 252, the subscriber makes a telephone call toserver 20 via PSTN 18. At step 254, PSTN interface 30 of server 20receives the telephone call, which advantageously but not necessarily,is made to a toll-free number. Additionally, at step 254, server 20queries the subscriber for the subscriber's PIN number and password. ThePIN number was assigned to the subscriber as previously described instep 106 of the flow chart in FIG. 3, while the password was selected bythe subscriber as previously described in step 104 of the flow chart inFIG. 3.

[0076] At step 256, the subscriber inputs the PIN number and thepassword. At step 258, the PIN number and password are received byserver 20. At step 260, processor 26 determines whether the PIN numberand password are valid.

[0077] At step 262, processor 26 communicates with database 22, in orderto retrieve stored messages from database 22. Database 22 has previouslystored messages from other persons to the subscriber in storage spacesthat correspond to the telephone number, e-mail address and PIN numberthat were assigned to the subscriber at steps 106 and 108 of FIG. 3. Atstep 264, server 20 delivers the retreived messages to the subscriberalong with a marketing message.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the retrieved messages aretransmitted to text-to-speech conversion module 34, which convert thetext to a voice message. The voice messages are next conveyed to PSTNinterface 30, whereupon they are conveyed to the subscriber via PSTN 18.

[0079] In another embodiment, the retrieved messages are transmitted toSQL database interface 28, which in turn conveys them to processor 26.The text messages and any digitized sound messages are then conveyed tointernet interface 30, whereupon they are conveyed to the subscriber viainternet 16.

[0080] As in previously described embodiments, the system providingunified messaging is also configured to provide customized marketingmessages to subscribers. As before, a subscriber profile correspondingto a particular subscriber is matched to a marketing message that isvery likely to appeal to the subscriber. When the subscriber accessesserver 20 to retrieve messages that third parties have left for him orher, server 20 is configured to also convey to the subscriber thecustomized marketing message. The marketing message, which is matched,is one that has been pre-determined to be likely to appeal to thesubscriber.

[0081] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, server 20is configured to receive a signal, during the retrieval of thesubscriber's messages, from the telephone or computer terminal of thesubscriber when the subscriber desires to receive more informationrelating to the marketing message provided. For instance, in oneembodiment wherein the subscriber is retrieving messages via telephone,the system indicates to the subscriber that, by pressing any key on thetelephone during the course of the telephone call, additionalinformation relating to the provided marketing message may be obtained.Thus, if a key of the telephone is pressed, a signal is transmitted toserver 20. Server 20 is configured so as to receive the signal and toprovide the additional information to the subscriber at, for example,the subscriber's e-mail address or at the server's website next time thesubscriber visits the server's website.

[0082] The additional information provided to the subscriber maycomprise, for example, an image or description further describing themarketing message, or an HTML link that enables the subscriber topurchase products relating to the marketing message. In an embodimentwherein the subscriber is utilizing a computer terminal to retrievemessages, the same type of additional information may be provided to thesubscriber by, for example, pressing any key of the computer terminal,or by clicking on a provided hypertext link.

[0083] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, marketingmessages are provided to subscribers and to a third party when thesubscriber calls the third party via server 20. FIG. 7 is a flow chartthat illustrates the steps wherein the marketing message is delivered toboth parties, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Atstep 160, a person subscribes to the present system, as previously shownand described in FIG. 3. By subscribing, the present system is able tostore demographic information corresponding to the subscriber.

[0084] At step 162, the subscriber calls server 20, advantageously bydialing a telephone number that could be 800 number or assignedtelephone number, and enters the valid PIN number that was assigned whensubscribing. At step 163, the subscriber requests the third-partycalling feature of server 20. For instance, the subscriber may press abutton, or enter a series of numbers, on the telephone that correspondto the third-party calling feature.

[0085] At step 164, telephone conference module 36 directs PSTNinterface 30 to query the subscriber for a third-party telephone number.This is accomplished, in accordance with one embodiment, by making avoice request for the subscriber to dial the third-party number. At step166, the subscriber dials the third party number, which is received byPSTN interface 30 and transmitted to telephone conference module 36.

[0086] At step 168, telephone conference module 36 generates a telephonecall, via PSTN interface 30, to the third-party telephone number thatwas inputted by the subscriber. When the third party receives thetelephone call, the call is routed from the subscriber, throughtelephone conference module 36 via PSTN interface 30, to the third-partynumber, via PSTN interface 30.

[0087] At step 170, during the conversation between the subscriber andthe third party, processor 26 retrieves the subscriber's demographicinformation from database 22. At step 172, processor 26 matches thesubscriber's demographic information with a marketing message that isvery likely to be of interest to the subscriber. At step 174, processor26 delivers the marketing message via PSTN interface 30 to both thesubscriber and the third-party via telephone conference module 36.

[0088] At decision step 176, the system determines whether theconference call continues, or whether the subscriber and the third partyhave disconnected the call. If the call does continue, then the systemreturns to step 172, where the subscriber's demographic information ismatched to another (preferably a different) marketing message, which isdelivered to the subscriber and the third party during the conferencecall. If the call does not continue, then the method ends at step 178.

[0089] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, thesubscriber can request additional information relating to the marketingmessage by pressing a button on the telephone numeric pad, as previouslydescribed.

[0090] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,the system is configured to employ calling cards. For instance, as iswell-known in the prior art, a calling card may be purchased for a setfee and have a specifiable time limit, or a number of pre-determinedminute credits, associated with it. FIG. 8 is a flow chart thatillustrates the steps that may be employed by the present inventionemploying a calling card, in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. At step 180, a person purchases a calling card having a setamount of time associated with it.

[0091] At step 182, the subscriber calls server 20, advantageously bydialing a telephone number that corresponds to the calling card functionof server 20. For instance, server 20 may have numerous telephonenumbers associated with it in connection with other aspects of theinvention, but preferably has a specific number, printed on the callingcard, that a person can call when the subscriber wishes to employ thecalling card function of the present invention.

[0092] At step 184, processor 26 queries the person, via PSTN interface30, for a calling card or PIN number. In one embodiment, the callingcard has a particular number that identifies it from other callingcards, thus enabling server 20 to keep track of each calling card, andthe amounts of time that are left on the card, separately. At step 186,processor 26 calculates the amount of time that remains on the callingcard, and begins to subtract the length of the present telephone callfrom the amount of time remaining on the calling card.

[0093] At step 188, processor 26 queries the person, via PSTN interface30, for a third-party telephone number. This is accomplished, inaccordance with one embodiment, by making a voice request for the personto dial the third-party number. At step 190, the person dials the thirdparty number, which is received by PSTN interface 30 and transmitted toprocessor 26.

[0094] At step 192, processor 26 generates a telephone call, via PSTNinterface 30, to the third-party telephone number that was inputted.When the third party receives the telephone call, the call is routedfrom the original calling card owner, to processor 26 via PSTN interface30, and to the third-party number, via PSTN interface 30.

[0095] Preferably, the person who purchases the calling card is asubscriber to the system or provides demographic information to server20 for storage in database 22. In this embodiment, at step 194, duringthe conversation between the person and the third party, processor 26retrieves the subscriber's demographic information from database 22. Atstep 196, processor 26 matches the subscriber's demographic informationwith a marketing message that is very likely to be of interest to thesubscriber. At step 198, processor 26 delivers the marketing message viaPSTN interface 30 to both the subscriber and the third-party.

[0096] However, it should be noted that, in accordance with oneembodiment, even if the person who purchases the calling card is not asubscriber and does not provide server 20 with any demographicinformation, processor 26 delivers a marketing message via PSTNinterface 30 to both parties to the call. Additionally, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention, the time remaining on a callingcard is increased by the system after the marketing message is deliveredto the parties.

[0097] According to another embodiment of the invention, server 20 isconfigured to generate an e-mail reminder telephone call to a subscriberwhen an e-mail message, or messages, is received. FIG. 9 is a flow chartthat illustrates how this embodiment of the invention is implemented. Atstep 270, a subscriber logs on to the website of the system. At step272, the subscriber inputs his or her username and password, whichdirects the subscriber to his or her personalized web page. At step 274,the subscriber selects the e-mail reminder call function.

[0098] At step 276, the subscriber inputs e-mail reminder parameters.These parameters include the subscriber's own e-mail account or addressthat the subscriber desires to receive a reminder call about, and atelephone number at which the subscriber desires to be reached.Additionally, according to one embodiment of the invention, theparameters include information corresponding to a specific e-mailmessage to be received by the subscriber, such as the name of the senderor the topic of the message. According to another embodiment, theparameters include a specifiable number corresponding to the number ofe-mail messages received (for instance ten messages). At step 278, theparameters are stored in database 22.

[0099] At step 280, when the reminder parameters are met, processor 26retrieves the stored data corresponding to the subscriber, i.e.—thesubscriber's telephone number and demographic information. In the firstembodiment described in the previous paragraph, the parameters are metwhen the specific e-mail message, identified by the sender's name or thetopic, is received by the server. In the other embodiment, theparameters are met when the specified number of messages, for instanceten messages, have been received by the server.

[0100] At step 282, the subscriber's demographic profile is matched to amarketing message, as previously described. At step 284, the e-mailreminder telephone call is delivered by server 20 via PSTN 18 to thesubscriber at the telephone number inputted at step 276. The e-mailreminder telephone call signals to the subscriber that the specifice-mail message, or the specified number of messages, has been receivedby server 20. The e-mail reminder call comprises the matched marketingmessage. In one embodiment, the subscriber listens to the e-mailmessage, or some of the message (such as the sender's name or the topicof the message), converted into speech by text-to-speech conversionmodule 34.

[0101] While only certain features of the invention have beenillustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions,changes or equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It istherefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes that fall within the truespirit of the invention.

We claim:
 1. A method comprising the steps of: receiving via internet atime, a date and a telephone number for a reminder telephone call;storing in a database said time, date and telephone number of saidreminder telephone call; and delivering via telephone said remindertelephone call at said specified time, date and telephone number.
 2. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein said reminder telephone callfurther comprises a marketing message.
 3. The method according to claim2, wherein said method further comprises the steps of: receiving viasaid internet demographic information corresponding to a subscriber;matching said marketing message to said demographic information; anddelivering said matched marketing message to said subscriber during saidreminder telephone call.
 4. The method according to claim 1, whereinsaid method further comprises the steps of: receiving via said interneta personal reminder message; and delivering said personal remindermessage to said subscriber during said reminder telephone call.
 5. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein said method further comprises thesteps of: receiving via said internet a selection for information; anddelivering said information corresponding to said selection to saidsubscriber during said reminder telephone call.
 6. The method accordingto claim 5, wherein said information is selected from a group consistingof horoscopes, news, weather, stock prices, sports scores, trivia,lottery numbers, and traffic reports.
 7. The method according to claim2, further comprising the steps of: receiving a signal from saidsubscriber during said delivery of said reminder telephone call, saidsignal corresponding to said marketing message; delivering to saidsubscriber additional information corresponding to said marketingmessage.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein said signal isgenerated by said subscriber pressing a button on a telephone, saidsignal received via telephone.
 9. The method according to claim 7,wherein said additional information comprises an e-mail message to saidsubscriber, said e-mail message delivered via said internet.
 10. Themethod according to claim 7, wherein said additional informationcomprises a hypertext link.
 11. The method according to claim 1, whereinsaid delivery step further comprises delivering said reminder telephonecall via a public-switched telephone network.
 12. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein said delivery step further comprises delivering saidreminder telephone call via a wireless communication system.
 13. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein said reminder call is deliveredduring a range of time corresponding to said time received during saidreceiving step.
 14. A method for delivering a marketing message,comprising the steps of: receiving via internet demographic informationcorresponding to a subscriber; assigning to said subscriber a storagespace, said storage space configured to store a personal message to saidsubscriber; delivering to said subscriber a marketing messagecorresponding to said demographic information when said subscriberaccesses said personal messages.
 15. The method according to claim 14,said method further comprising the steps of: assigning to saidsubscriber an e-mail address corresponding to said storage space suchthat said personal message corresponds to an e-mail message; receivingsaid e-mail message via internet; storing said e-mail message in saidstorage space; and retrieving said e-mail message from said storagespace prior to said delivering step.
 16. The method according to claim14, said method further comprising the steps of: assigning to saidsubscriber a telephone number corresponding to said storage space suchthat said personal message corresponds to a voice message; receivingsaid voice message via telephone; storing said voice message in saidstorage space; and retrieving said voice message from said storage spaceprior to said delivering step.
 17. The method according to claim 14,said method further comprising the steps of: assigning to saidsubscriber a password corresponding to said storage space; receivingfrom said subscriber a signal when said subscriber desires to accesssaid messages; and delivering said messages to said subscriber if saidsignal corresponds to said password.
 18. A method for a subscriber toreceive a reminder telephone call, said method comprising the steps of:inputting to a server via internet, for storage in a database, a time, adate and a telephone number for a reminder telephone call; and receivingvia telephone said reminder telephone call at said specified time, dateand telephone number.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein saidreminder telephone call further comprises a marketing message.
 20. Themethod according to claim 19, wherein said method further comprises thesteps of: inputting via said internet, for storage in a database,demographic information corresponding to said subscriber, said serverconfigured to match said marketing message to said demographicinformation; and receiving said matched marketing message during saidreminder telephone call.
 21. The method according to claim 18, whereinsaid method further comprises the steps of: inputting via said interneta personal reminder message; and receiving said personal remindermessage during said reminder telephone call.
 22. The method according toclaim 18, wherein said method further comprises the steps of: inputtingvia said internet a selection for information; and receiving saidinformation corresponding to said selection during said reminder call.23. The method according to claim 22, wherein said information isselected from a group consisting of horoscopes, news, weather, stockprices, sports scores, trivia, lottery numbers, and traffic reports. 24.The method according to claim 19, further comprising the steps of:inputting a signal during said delivery of said reminder telephone call,said signal corresponding to said marketing message; receiving saidadditional information corresponding to said marketing message.
 25. Themethod according to claim 24, further comprising the step of generatingsaid signal by pressing a button on a telephone, said signal transmittedvia said public-switched telephone network.
 26. The method according toclaim 24, wherein said additional information comprises an e-mailmessage to said subscriber, said e-mail message delivered via saidinternet.
 27. The method according to claim 24, wherein said additionalinformation comprises a hypertext link.
 28. The method according toclaim 18, wherein said receiving step further comprises receiving saidreminder telephone call via a public-switched telephone network.
 29. Themethod according to claim 18, wherein said receiving step furthercomprises receiving said reminder telephone call via a wirelesscommunication system.
 30. The method according to claim 18, wherein saidreminder call is received during a range of time corresponding to saidtime inputted during said inputting step.
 31. A method for a subscriberto receive messages, comprising the steps of: inputting to a server viainternet, for storage in a database, demographic informationcorresponding to said subscriber, said server having a storage space,said storage space configured to store a personal message to saidsubscriber; retrieving said personal messages; receiving a marketingmessage corresponding to said demographic information when retrievingsaid personal messages.
 32. The method according to claim 31, saidmethod further comprising the steps of: being assigned an e-mail addresscorresponding to said storage space such that said personal messagecorresponds to an e-mail message; receiving said e-mail message viainternet; and retrieving said e-mail messages stored in said storagespace.
 33. The method according to claim 31, said method furthercomprising the steps of: being assigned a telephone number correspondingto said storage space such that said personal message corresponds to avoice message; receiving said voice message via said public-switchedtelephone network; and retrieving said voice message in said storagespace.
 34. The method according to claim 31, said method furthercomprising the steps of: selecting a password corresponding to saidstorage space; inputting a signal to access said messages; andretrieving said messages if said signal corresponds to said password.35. A method for a communications server to deliver a marketing message,said method comprising the steps of: receiving a telephone call from acaller at said server; querying said caller for a third-party telephonenumber; receiving said third-party telephone number; initiating atelephone conference call between said caller and a third-party at saidthird-party telephone number; delivering to said caller and saidthird-party a marketing message during said telephone conference call.36. A method for a communications server to deliver a marketing message,said method comprising the steps of: receiving a telephone call, from acaller having a calling card, said calling card having a predeterminednumber of minute credits associated with it; querying said caller for athird-party telephone number; receiving said third-party telephonenumber; initiating a telephone call between said caller and athird-party at said third-party telephone number; delivering to saidcaller and said third-party a marketing message during said initiatedtelephone call.
 37. The method according to claim 36, wherein saidserver adds an additional number of minute credits to said calling cardwhen said marketing message is delivered.
 38. A method comprising thesteps of: receiving via internet a telephone number and an e-mailaddress corresponding to a subscriber; receiving an e-mail message atsaid e-mail address; and delivering to said subscriber via telephone ane-mail reminder telephone call, at said subscriber telephone number, soas to inform said subscriber of said receipt of said e-mail message. 39.The method according to claim 38, said e-mail reminder telephone callfurther comprising a marketing message.
 40. The method according toclaim 39, further comprising receiving via internet demographicinformation corresponding to said subscriber, said marketing messagecorresponding to said demographic information.
 41. The method accordingto claim 38, wherein: said first receiving step further comprisesreceiving from said subscriber identification information correspondingto a specific e-mail message; said second receiving step furthercomprises receiving said specific e-mail message via internet; and saiddelivering step further comprises delivering to said subscriber ane-mail reminder telephone call corresponding to said specific e-mailmessage.
 42. The method according to claim 41, wherein saididentification information comprises a name of a sender of said specifice-mail message.
 43. The method according to claim 41, wherein saididentification information comprises a topic of said specific e-mailmessage.
 44. The method according to claim 38, wherein: said firstreceiving step further comprises receiving from said subscriber aspecifiable number corresponding to a number of e-mail messages; andsaid second receiving step further comprises receiving said specifiednumber of e-mail messages via internet.